Tag: Police Misconduct

Seattle federal monitor’s communications with police raise questions over impartial oversight

This is an interesting article on the “inside” discussions that take place with police monitoring and reform.

Messages obtained by Prism reveal backchannel coordination with the Seattle Police Department about policing tactics and budgeting
— Read on prismreports.org/2025/03/10/seattle-police-federal-monitor-antonio-oftelie/

NY’s Highest Court Issues Landmark Ruling Requiring Full Disclosure of Police Misconduct Records to NYCLU

Following a lawsuit from the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) with pro bono counsel A&O Shearman, the New York Court of Appeals ruled today that the Rochester Police Department must publicly disclose all records related to police discipline and misconduct allegations, regardless of whether the RPD “substantiated” the complaint or imposed discipline, following the 2020 repeal of 50-a.
— Read on www.nyclu.org/press-release/nys-highest-court-issues-landmark-ruling-requiring-full-disclosure-of-police-misconduct-records-to-nyclu

Final Tally: Chicago Taxpayers Spent At Least $107.5M to Resolve Police Misconduct Lawsuits in 2024, Analysis Finds | Chicago News | WTTW

During the past six years taxpayers have spent at least $472.4 million to resolve police misconduct lawsuits, setting a new record, according to a WTTW News analysis.
— Read on news.wttw.com/2025/02/10/final-tally-chicago-taxpayers-spent-least-1075m-resolve-police-misconduct-lawsuits-2024

Over a dozen current and former officers say they believe MPD’s Katie Blackwell perjured herself during Derek Chauvin trial

Fourteen current and former MPD officers say they believe MPD Assistant Chief Katie Blackwell perjured herself during Derek Chauvin’s trial.
— Read on alphanews.org/over-a-dozen-current-and-former-officers-say-they-believe-mpds-katie-blackwell-perjured-herself-during-derek-chauvin-trial/

Old Saybrook Releases Damning Outside Investigation of Police Chief Michael Spera, Workplace Practices – CT Examiner

A long-anticipated study by the Police Executive Research Forum concluded that the high rate of turnover in the Old Saybrook Police Department was the result of a toxic and “unpleasant” workplace characterized by mandatory overtime, fear of retaliation, unfair promotions and an overall poor organizational climate. 

“In interview after interview, employees described an unhealthy work environment filled with stress and paranoia,” the report read. 

The study was prompted by persistently high levels of turnover in the department. In July 2023, with a staffing level of only 17 officers, Police Chief Michael Spera requested that the town increase officer pay and benefits to incentivize more officers to stay. But First Selectman Carl Fortuna said he wanted to be sure that increasing benefits would reduce the turnover, and asked for an organizational study of the department. 

Residents overwhelmingly voted in January 2024 to approve the study. 
— Read on ctexaminer.com/2025/01/08/old-saybrook-releases-damning-outside-investigation-of-police-chief-michael-spera-workplace-practices/

Get a copy of the report HERE